That's because I'm the first customer of my brand, which I first created for myself, before creating for you. Asymétrio is not the antidote to the disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis today. It's because I suffer from it on a daily basis that I've adapted not only my wardrobe, but also my underwear.
Endometriosis: understanding the complexity of this disease
When we say we have endometriosis, it's not just “having pain when we have our period.” Endometriosis is a complex, disabling disease that affects many facets of daily life. Pain is not limited to the period; it can also affect digestion, the urinary system and general well-being.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to that which lines the inside of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This tissue can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, rectum and other pelvic organs. During each menstrual cycle, this tissue reacts to hormones in the same way as normal endometrial tissue, causing inflammation, pain and scarring.
Scientific data :
Prevalence: According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), around 10% of women of childbearing age worldwide are affected by endometriosis. In France, it is estimated that 1 in 10 women is affected.
Symptoms: Endometriosis can cause severe pelvic pain, pain during or after intercourse, back pain, abdominal pain, urinary and digestive problems. Pain can vary in intensity and can be disabling for some women.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis of endometriosis can be difficult, often relying on clinical symptoms and laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is a minor surgical procedure used to visualize endometriosis lesions and take biopsies. Symptoms can sometimes be confused with other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or pelvic infections.
The Endobelly: Understanding and Managing this Symptom
What is endobelly?
Endobelly, or “endometriotic belly”, is a symptom frequently observed in women with endometriosis. The term describes severe abdominal swelling that can occur before, during or after menstruation. It manifests itself as an increase in belly volume, sometimes making it as prominent as that of a pregnant woman. This phenomenon is often associated with abdominal and pelvic pain, and can cause considerable discomfort in daily life.
Biological endobelly
Endobelly is the result of several pathophysiological mechanisms linked to endometriosis :
Inflammation and fluid retention: Endometriotic lesions can lead to chronic inflammation of abdominal and pelvic tissues. This inflammation can cause water retention, contributing to belly swelling. Increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha and IL-6, plays a key role in this process.
Endometrial tissue hyperplasia: Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. This ectopic tissue reacts to menstrual hormones in the same way as normal endometrial tissue, which can lead to changes in the volume and structure of abdominal tissue, aggravating the endobelly.
Distension of abdominal organs: endometriotic lesions on abdominal organs, such as the ovaries, bladder and intestines, can cause pain and distension, contributing to swelling of the abdomen.
Impact on quality of life
Endobelly can have a significant impact on the quality of life of women with endometriosis. Associated symptoms include abdominal and pelvic pain, difficulty dressing, and social embarrassment due to visible swelling. These effects can have a negative impact on women's professional, social and emotional lives.
Comfort and well-being: Abdominal swelling can make wearing normal clothing uncomfortable, limiting clothing choice and affecting self-esteem. Tight-fitting clothes or high waistbands can aggravate the symptom, making it necessary to look for specific solutions such as adjustable underwear.
Emotional impact: The stress and anxiety associated with managing endobelly can exacerbate symptoms. Women may feel isolated or misunderstood, leading to feelings of depression or frustration.
Scientific data and research
Research into endobelly is still in progress, but several studies provide valuable insights into the phenomenon :
Prevalence and correlations: A study published in The Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders indicates that up to 70% of women with endometriosis report episodes of abdominal swelling. This study also reveals a correlation between the severity of endometriosis and the frequency of endobelly symptoms.
Treatments and interventions: According to a systematic review published in Human Reproduction Update, treatments for endobelly include pharmacological approaches, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hormonal contraceptives. Recent research is also exploring the effectiveness of physical therapies, such as abdominal massage and pelvic physiotherapy, in relieving symptoms.
Research advances: Researchers are increasingly focusing on understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in endobelly. A recent study from Harvard University highlighted the role of inflammatory mediators in water retention and abdominal distension, offering new prospects for the development of targeted treatments.
Practical tips for managing endobelly
Endobelly is a complex, multifactorial symptom of endometriosis that can have a profound impact on women's daily lives. By understanding the underlying mechanisms, drawing on current scientific research and adopting practical management strategies, it is possible to improve quality of life and better manage the challenges associated with this condition. Asymétrio's solutions, such as adjustable underwear, aim to offer practical relief and support women on their journey towards comfort and well-being.
In addition to medical treatments, several practical strategies can help manage endobelly :
Food choices: Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce endobelly symptoms. Foods rich in omega-3s, such as oily fish and flaxseed, can have beneficial effects. Avoid foods rich in sugar, gluten and dairy products, which can exacerbate symptoms in some people.
Hydration and salt reduction: Drinking enough water and reducing salt intake can help minimize water retention and abdominal swelling.
Physical exercise: Moderate exercise, such as walking or yoga, can improve circulation and reduce endobelly symptoms. Avoid strenuous exercise, which can aggravate pelvic pain.
The creation of Asymétrio to resolve my problems
Personally, I do a lot of endobellys and have a breast nodule that appears and disappears according to the hormones of the moment, also changing with the cycle. As a result, I end up with asymmetrical breasts and a belly that's sometimes so swollen (like a pregnant woman) that my clothing sizes vary between 36 and 38. Sometimes, even a 38 becomes unbearable.
Knowing how to sew, I've always reworked my clothes to feel comfortable all day long. I often modified my clothes to fit my ever-changing body. But I had trouble finding underwear that suited me. Bras, for example, were often uncomfortable because of their rigidity and standardized cut, which didn't take into account any variations in my size. The birth of Asymétrio: from pain to creation.
I decided to buy lace, fishnet and sew my own lingerie sets. A bra with two different cups and stockings that fit my endobelly became necessities. It made me feel better about myself and improved my everyday comfort.
When I started talking to people about it, I immediately realized that I wasn't alone. Many women share the same difficulties and frustrations. So I decided to create pieces that would meet these specific needs, not just for myself, but for all those struggling with endometriosis.
And so Asymétrio was born. The idea was to create a brand that breaks the codes of imposed sizes and addresses the particular needs of women suffering from endometriosis. We're not just a lingerie supplier; we're a response to the daily challenges faced by many women.
Adapted lingerie: essential comfort
Lingerie and endometriosis: challenges to overcome
As anyone with endometriosis knows, we can't wear all the clothes we want. High-waisted garments, pantyhose, or those that are too tight around the waist are simply unacceptable. Not only are they unpleasant, but they can also be painful during endometriosis attacks. When the belly is swollen, bloated and endobelly, wearing tight clothes is unbearable.
The solution: innovative lingerie
It's crucial to find the right solutions to feel good in your underwear. This is how I came up with the idea of creating the adjustable tanga and the adjustable panty. These pieces are designed to vary between two sizes, not to constrict the waist, and to relax when doing endobelly. They offer comfort without compromising style.
The adjustable tanga is made with stretch materials that allow you to adjust the waist without compromising support. What's more, it's designed with soft finishes to prevent chafing. The adjustable panty, meanwhile, incorporates an elastic band that can be stretched or tightened as required, offering much-needed flexibility during endometriosis crises.
How adapted lingerie helps manage psychological impact
Adaptive lingerie can have a significant impact on psychological well-being. By offering comfortable, adjustable options, Asymétrio enables women to feel more comfortable in their bodies, which can improve their mood and self-confidence. Feeling supported by clothing that understands and respects the specific needs associated with endometriosis can help alleviate some of the negative effects on mental health.
What's more, the quality of materials used in Asymétrio products, such as soft, breathable fabrics, contribute to increased comfort that can reduce the stress associated with physical discomfort.
Asymmetrio products: a response to the specific needs of women with endometriosis
Design and Adaptability
Asymétrio products have been designed with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by women with endometriosis. The design of our underwear is based on ergonomic and scientific principles aimed at providing optimal comfort while meeting the specific needs of this condition.
Adjustable underwear: One of the major challenges for women suffering from endometriosis is the fluctuation in tummy size due to endobelly. Asymétrio's adjustable panties and thongs are designed with adjustable features to accommodate variations in abdominal volume. These products use stretch materials and modular fastening systems that allow easy adjustment to individual needs.
Asymmetrical bras: The asymmetrical design of Asymétrio bras meets the needs of women with asymmetrical breasts, often caused by hormonal imbalances or nodules. The bras feature adjustable cups that allow customization of support and comfort, while ensuring a harmonious silhouette.
Comfortable materials: The selection of materials is crucial to avoid irritation and discomfort. Asymétrio products use soft, breathable fabrics, such as hypoallergenic lace and microfibers, to minimize friction and maximize comfort, even during the most challenging periods.
Scientific data
The design of Asymétrio products is also influenced by scientific data on endometriosis and its impact. Here's how this knowledge is integrated :
Abdominal Pressure Reduction: According to a study published in The Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders, tight clothing can exacerbate endobelly symptoms by increasing abdominal pressure. Asymétrio products are designed to minimize this pressure with cuts and materials that fit without compressing the abdomen.
Comfort and pain management: the properties of the materials used, such as anti-inflammatory fabrics and ergonomic supports, are based on research showing that soft, elastic fabrics can help reduce irritation and pain. A systematic review in Human Reproduction Update suggests that well-designed textiles can play a role in managing pelvic pain by improving comfort and mobility.
Innovations in Design: Recent research into the molecular mechanisms of endometriosis, such as that published by Harvard University, has inspired innovations in the design of Asymétrio products. Features such as adjustable elastic bands and anti-irritant seams are direct responses to needs identified in studies on inflammation and water retention.
Testimonials and User Experiences
Feedback from our customers confirms the effectiveness of Asymétrio products in managing the symptoms associated with endometriosis :
Positive Reviews: Many women have reported a significant improvement in their comfort and well-being with our adjustable underwear. Testimonials include comments on reduced abdominal pain and improved self-confidence, which is crucial to the overall management of the condition.
Usage feedback: Customers using our asymmetrical bras have expressed satisfaction with the perfect fit to their specific needs, whether it's extra support or customized adjustments. This feedback underlines the importance of designing for individual variation.
Asymétrio's commitment to innovation
Asymétrio is committed to continued innovation in endometriosis products. We collaborate with experts in women's health and textile design to incorporate the latest research and technology into our designs. Our goal is to continue offering solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers and improve their quality of life.
Research and Development: We continually invest in research to develop even better products. Collaborations with researchers and endometriosis specialists enable us to incorporate recent scientific discoveries into our designs.
Listening to users' needs: We value feedback from our customers to adjust and improve our products. Suggestions and shared experiences help us to respond more precisely to the challenges faced by women with endometriosis.
Asymétrio products are designed to meet the specific needs of women with endometriosis, combining comfort, adaptability and innovation. By integrating scientific data and listening to our customers' experiences, we aim to offer solutions that improve quality of life and support women in their daily journey. We will continue to develop products that meet the unique challenges of endometriosis and offer valuable support to our community.
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